Gazans Hope Recognition of Palestine by More Countries Will End Israeli Genocide

Kokcha News Agency – Amid the ongoing Israeli genocide and blockade of the Gaza Strip, displaced Palestinians have mixed reactions to the recent recognition of the State of Palestine by several countries. While some see it as a significant step and a victory for their cause, others believe it will have little practical impact on their dire situation.

As the Israeli military intensifies its attacks on Gaza City, forcing Palestinians to flee on foot, by cart, or on bicycles, many are enduring what they describe as a “journey of torture and death.” Along the coastal Rashid Street, which stretches from northern to southern Gaza, displaced Palestinians are searching for safe havens, hoping that the international recognition of Palestine will bring an end to the genocide.

“A Great Victory for the Palestinian Cause”
Salah Nassar, displaced from the Jabaliya Refugee Camp, told Anadolu Agency (AA), “Countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, which have supported Israel, have now recognized us as a state. This is a great victory for the Palestinian cause.” Nassar expressed hope that more countries will follow suit, adding, “This gives us joy and supports the existence of Palestine for future generations on its own land.”

Nassar, who has been displaced seven times in the past two years, described his journey as a “journey of pain and death, devoid of any humanity.” He lamented, “This is not the first time, and it won’t be the last.”

“A Delayed but Important Step”
Gazi al-Hattab, a 48-year-old resident of the Shujaiya neighborhood, called the recognition of Palestine a “delayed but important step.” He expressed gratitude for the move, stating, “This is a legitimate right enshrined in all international conventions and agreements. We hope all countries will recognize the State of Palestine and the rights of the Palestinian people.”

Hattab, who was forced to flee on a bicycle due to financial constraints, highlighted the high cost of displacement, which exceeds $2,000, and the lack of income sources. He has moved multiple times, first from Shujaiya to the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood and then further south due to ongoing bombardment and destruction.

“It Won’t Change Anything”
Umm Khaled al-Shanti, from the Shati Refugee Camp, expressed skepticism about the impact of international recognition. “We have been suffering from this war for two years. How long will this continue? Some countries stand by us, but others do not,” she said.

Al-Shanti added, “Looking at the hardships we face, it’s as if our people have been completely destroyed. We have no future left, and this decision won’t change our reality.” She criticized Arab countries for not standing by Gazans and described the actions of European countries as “superficial and ineffective.”

Escalating Destruction in Gaza
According to the Gaza Government Media Office, since August 11, the Israeli military has destroyed or severely damaged over 3,600 buildings in Gaza City, leaving 13,000 tents for displaced Palestinians unusable.

Canada, Australia, the UK, and Portugal have recently recognized the State of Palestine, bringing the total number of countries recognizing Palestine to 152 out of 193 UN member states. Several other countries are expected to announce their recognition during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.